New Delhi: Urdu newspaper editorials this week criticised the safety failures at medical institutions in India in light of the brutal rape and murder of a female medical student at RG Kar Medical College. They urged stricter laws and a more serious approach to justice.
Additionally, they raised concerns over the current state of democracy, criticising the Narendra Modi government for making the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, “sit in the fifth row” for the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort.
On 11 August, the Siasat newspaper welcomed the granting of bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia. Meanwhile, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara expressed concerns over India’s lack of enthusiasm for sports, except in states like Haryana.
Here’s a wrap of the news and editorials in the Urdu press this week.
Kolkata rape-murder: Dire need for reforms
On August 14, Sahara in its editorial criticised the safety failures at Indian medical institutions as a result of which a female medical student at the RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, was raped and murdered. The editorial questioned the lack of basic security measures in the medical institution, like CCTVs and security guards.
It attributed the negligence to political interference, alleging it compromised safety and accountability.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for the death penalty for the perpetrators, and the Calcutta High Court handed the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Still, the editorial underscored the dire need for reforms. “When safety fails in our institutions, it reflects a systemic failure of justice and governance,” the Sahara said.
Violation of democratic values
On 16 August, Siasat questioned the government for making LoP Rahul Gandhi sit in the fifth row during the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort on Independence Day, describing it as a violation of democratic values. “For democracy to thrive, respect for constitutional positions must be upheld, regardless of political differences,” the editorial said.
On 15 August, Siasat wrote its editorial about the Centre’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, highlighting India’s 78th Independence Day as a moment to celebrate the freedom gained through immense sacrifice. India has made significant progress, especially in information technology, and is recognised globally in various sectors, Siasat noted. But, while the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign aims to instil pride in our national flag, the editorial emphasised the need for similar initiatives in other areas. Campaigns are needed to promote education, eradicate poverty, end communalism, ensure equal rights, and provide relief from inflation to every Indian citizen.
In its 15 August editorial, Sahara asked if, even after 77 years, we’ve truly fulfilled the dreams and ideals our forefathers fought for. It said that while India celebrates its freedom, the country remains bound by old prejudices and laws, calling for deeper reflection. “Have we truly achieved the essence of freedom, or are we still shackled by the very chains we sought to break?” the editorial said.
On 15 August, Inquilab, in its editorial, said that earlier generations, who experienced British oppression and the sacrifices for freedom, valued independence deeply and today’s generations, who have not faced such struggles, may not fully appreciate this freedom. While the lockdown provided a glimpse of what restrictions on freedoms may look like, many still do not grasp the true essence of oppression and freedom in a democratic nation where everyone is, both, a ruler and a subject, the Inquilab editorial said.
Gaza conflict: War is not so easily resolved
On 16 August, Inquilab’s editorial discussed the nine-month-old conflict between Hamas and Israel, noting that while wars start swiftly, their resolution takes much longer. The editorial argued that no country should have the unilateral right to declare war and called for stronger international laws to mediate such conflicts.
More than 40,000 people, including women and children, have died, according to the authorities in the Gaza Strip in Israel’s retaliation to the deadly Hamas attack on October 7. Despite international awareness, only a few nations have advocated for a ceasefire, while most have remained silent, the editorial said.
Manish Sisodia gets bail
On 11 August, Siasat wrote its editorial on the Supreme Court granting bail to Sisodia after 17 months in jail. The editorial wrote that the court’s comments on granting bail were significant, agreeing that no one should be imprisoned indefinitely and without trial because it violates their fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court’s decision highlighted the importance of personal liberty guaranteed by the Constitution, the editorial said. Sisodia’s release offers some relief to the AAP which had been demoralised by the jailing of key leaders, it said.
The editorial noted, “No one can be deprived of their fundamental rights, especially when the trial has yet to begin.”
India needs to shift perspective on sports
On 14 August, Inquilab said in its editorial that Indian athletes worked hard, and proudly represented their country in the Olympics in Paris, France this year. Their six medals this time showed a significant improvement in their performance from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics where India won only two medals. It is also notable that six other athletes finished in fourth position, it said, and had luck been on their side, India might have won 12 medals. Besides, with wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal pending before the arbitration court in Paris, India may just be able to add another silver medal to its tally, it noted. However, while India’s achievements this year were commendable, there was room for improvement.
On 12 August, Sahara’s editorial said that, while the number of Olympic medals India won was low, the situation was not as straightforward as it seems. Unlike China, the US, and European countries that show great interest in the Olympics, India lacks widespread enthusiasm for sports, except in states like Haryana. With over 100 sports in the Olympics, Indian athletes have the potential to compete in various events. But, to improve, the country needs to shift its perspective on sports and athletes, the editorial said.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
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